Italian fashion designer Valentino dies aged 93

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, died at the age of 93.

The creations of Valentino, one of the giants of 20th century fashion, were worn by celebrities and public figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow.

He founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and was at the top of the profession together with Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.

“He passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by the love of his family,” the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation said in a statement posted on Instagram.

The foundation said Valentino will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli between January 21 and 22.

Valentino’s funeral will take place the next day at the Basilica of Our Lady of Angels and Martyrs, the foundation said.

Born in Lombardy in May 1932, Valentino was known for his collections and wide shoulder pads that displayed luxury, opulence and opulence.

When he was just 17, he moved to Paris to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and went on to work with Jacques Fath, Balenciaga, Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche.

Inspired by a trip to Spain, “Valentino red” helped catapult the brand to worldwide fame with the debut of the iconic fiesta dress.

It was such a meaningful color for the house that in Valentino’s last collection in 2007, all models wore red dresses in the finale.

In December 2023, Valentino was honored with the outstanding achievement award. British Fashion Awards held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.